Journal of CME (11/03/25) McMahon, Graham T.

Worldwide, accredited continuing medical education and professional development (CME/CPD) are a significant system for enhancing healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency. Each year, more than 230,000 educational activities are provided in the United States by roughly 1,550 accredited providers, all of which operate under the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education's (ACCME) oversight. Using ACCME data, the 2025 CPD/CE Workforce Survey, and outcomes from the Commendation Criteria, this article concludes that accredited CME/CPD yields measurable benefits for clinicians, organizations, and populations by improving performance, fostering teamwork, accelerating scientific adoption, and advancing institutional goals. "When empowered by institutional leadership, CME/CPD professionals become strategic partners in achieving system-wide change," writes ACCME President and CEO Graham T. McMahon. Accreditation safeguards educational integrity and public trust, while commendation-recognized programs show tangible gains in patient care and community health. Ultimately, accredited CME/CPD is not merely regulatory — it is a strategic, ethical infrastructure that drives sustained healthcare improvement and reinforces trust through evidence-based education.

Read More